Inpatient Rehab for Opioid Addiction

Our country is in the midst of an unprecedented Opioid Crisis. More and more people are developing addictions to Opioids after years of prescription Opioid use. One study estimated that 80% of people who are now addicted to Heroin abused prescription painkillers first. Moreover, synthetic Opioids like Tramadol (Ultram®) and Fentanyl have caused fatal overdose rates to soar to record-breaking numbers. Now more than ever in American history, there is a need for proper inpatient rehab to combat Opioid addiction.

Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the subsequent expansion of mental health treatment, inpatient rehabilitation has become a common form of treatment for people recovering from addiction. Inpatient care allows facilities and their staff to give patients the security, support, and space to focus on healing they may not have at home.

Before picking a rehab center, research all of your options (in and out-of-state) and visit their facilities when possible.

When considering options for a recovery center for yourself or a loved one, a great place to start is online. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration(SAMHSA) maintains a database of addiction treatment centers across the country, as well as a crisis hotline for those in need.

What Is Inpatient Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is a type of recovery program that allows a person to live at the same facility where they receive addiction treatment. While the term “inpatient” conjures images of antiseptic and cold hospital environments, most inpatient facilities offer a fairly residential atmosphere. Additionally, inpatient rehab is able to provide round-the-clock medical care and support, which can be vital and life-saving for those still detoxing from drugs or alcohol.

Patients recovering at an inpatient rehab center can normally expect structured days of one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and scheduled free time or group activities inside and outside the center.

Inpatient RehabInpatient Rehab Facilities Offer Numerous Therapy And Support Groups

Generally, people who attend inpatient facilities sleep in actual bedrooms and have access to a range of amenities (depending on their rehab of choice). In most cases, patients will have roommates. Each inpatient rehab employs a variety of treatment methods and maintains comfort-focused features that help those in need of recovery. For instance, some rehabs prescribe medication-assisted therapy (given by a licensed physician) and contingency management counseling, while others encourage holistic techniques like reiki and mindfulness meditation. The severity of the individual’s addiction and what types of treatment he or she is comfortable with should help determine what kind of facility is chosen. As such, a single center will not be the best option for everyone seeking treatment.

Some types of therapy you can expect to see when researching rehabs include:
  • Biofeedback therapy – learning to control voluntary and otherwise involuntary body processes
  • Psychotherapy – also known as talk therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – pinpoint damaging thought patterns and forming coping strategies
  • Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) – used to recover from trauma and PTSD
  • Acupuncture – ancient Chinese practice to treat several health issues by inserting thin, nearly-painless needles into skin at “Qi” points
  • Yoga – stretches, meditation, breathing techniques
  • Massage therapy – also known as touch therapy
  • Mindfulness and meditation – create new habits and behaviors by gaining awareness of thoughts, feelings, and existing behaviors
  • Art or music therapy – using creativity to express concealed emotions and work through trauma

Inpatient Rehab Statistics

28
days

Typically, private insurance companies reimburse patients for up to 28 days in a rehab facility.

14,500
rehabs

In the U.S., there are more than 14,500 drug and alcohol rehab facilities.

60
percent

Up to 60% of people relapse following treatment, emphasizing the need for continued support and therapy.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehab: What to Expect

Every case is different, some people who flourish under inpatient rehab may not receive the same response from outpatient rehab. Each one has their own benefits. Outpatient programs allow the person to continue living at home if they must continue to work, attend school, or care for family members, while inpatient rehabs create a structure without temptation. If you’re not sure if inpatient rehab is the right choice for you, take a look at some of the benefits below:

Structure

Many people going through recovery have trouble maintaining a routine. This is typically due to a combination of things, including: cravings, temptation, an absence of purpose, lack of routine during active addiction, and more, depending on their situation. When someone enters an inpatient rehab, however, the staff help them create a schedule that they can adhere to. This provides a stable routine for the person in recovery that allows them to focus on the healing process. Small stressors, like planning their meals for the day, are taken out of their hands.

Security

Inpatient rehab is a type of recovery program that allows a person to live at the same facility where they receive addiction treatment.

A large concern and problem for people going through recovery is past temptation coming back. Living in your old life can mean being surrounded by sights, smells, sounds, and people that were triggers for Opioid use in the past. Removing the person from those sensory triggers allows them a sense of security that they could not have had otherwise. It also protects them from others who are seeking out their relapse. In cases where an addicted person has developed a relationship with a dealer, that dealer may hope for their failure so that they don’t lose a customer. Often times, the only way to be safe is to treat the addiction in an undisclosed location. Inpatient treatment center counselors will provide education on relapse prevention to reduce the risk of relapse when returning to areas with the potential to trigger the patient.

Support

Inpatient rehabs have a number of people, both staff and other residents, who understand what going through recovery is like. When living in a residential facility, that support network becomes available 24/7. People experienced with the pains of addiction are available in group counseling, activities outside of the treatment center, or even just around in common areas. Addiction is a disease fueled by isolation. Finding support groups and individuals experiencing the same thing can be hard on one’s own. Living in a facility with others is a sure way to create those connection and build a network of support.

Disadvantages of Inpatient Rehab

Where inpatient rehab has its strengths it also has its weaknesses. Some people worry about their jobs and families when they go to rehab, but for many individuals in early recovery family and friends can be a distraction. Being confined, even though it is in their best interest, can cause someone to feel disconnected from their loved ones. Many try to battle their addiction themselves or refuse to altogether. In cases like these, it is important that the person who is suffering knows their options. In situations where inpatient rehab may not work, there are many outpatient rehabs ranging in intensity and amount of time required. It is important to note, however, that inpatient and outpatient rehab isn’t always a question of preference. There are times when extreme measures are necessary. Ignoring that, and going with a program that sounds more appealing at a superficial level, can actually cause more harm than good.

Inpatient Rehab Checklist

At the end of the day, everyone is different. A single treatment program isn’t designed to help everyone. Part of the recovery process is finding what works for you. That might be living in a residential facility or joining a program that meets a couple of times a week. Finding that right path is can set you up for long-term recovery.

Use the following checklist to make sure you’ve got the right inpatient rehab program for you:
  1. Find a program that doesn’t put time limits on your length of stay. Every addiction is different, and you may need more, or less, time to rehabilitate. One should only commit to what they are comfortable with.
  2. Stay away from programs that advertised “group only” therapy. One-one-one counseling is crucial to recognizing the foundation of your addiction and beginning to work past it.
  3. Ensure your inpatient rehab center offers multiple therapy programs, instead of constraining recovery to a single program. For instance, 12-step programs are beneficial, but a complete continuum of addiction care will involve other therapy techniques too.
  4. Don’t be wooed by an abundance of amenities. While some amenities may sound fun, they may not have been scientifically proven to help treat addiction. Focus on finding a rehab that emphasizes evidence-based treatments instead of a long list of amenities.

If you or someone you love believe that you may need treatment, contact a treatment center. Many facilities will provide free consultation to help your questions get answered.